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Aitor Karanka believes Nottingham Forest are starting to prove they are performing like a team in the Championship.

The Reds might have claimed all three points in Norwich, even on a night when they were not at their best – with the consistently dangerous Ben Brereton spurning three opportunities to break the deadlock, within a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road.

Karanka felt fatigue played a part in an occasionally tired looking performance from the Reds – but was full of praise for the character and spirit of his players, as they at least claimed a point at a venue where they had lost on their previous three visits.

“It was not the best game, but it was another game where we can keep improving and keep growing,” said Karanka. “We had the best chances to score; the best chances to win the game.

Karanka explained the on-loan Cardiff City man did have a minor calf problem – but was mainly rested due to fatigue.

But the Reds boss hopes Tomlin will be ready to face the Rams.

“He is another player who has not played much this season. He has played four games in a few weeks and he did not feel right,” said Karanka. “We spoke with him and he had a problem with his calf and he was tired.

“He is a player who needs to be 100 percent and the team needs him to be that. I did not want to take a risk with him and see him get an injury.

“I hope he can be fit for Sunday. It is not a serious problem. He is not properly injured, but I did not want to take a risk with him, with the game coming up this weekend.”